2014 CB Install

[LowTek]

My 29 LX Cobra radio and all the parts came in this week for installing the cb, however I'm having a difficult time deciding where to mount this.

I was initially thinking of mounting it on the side of the console down by the right leg of the driver, but this won't allow me to adjust my seat anymore, so I decided I didn't like it there.

I am also just starting to get into off roading so I was hoping those of you with more experience could tell me which of these would be the best spot.

Here are what I believe my three other options.

I like the clean look of option two, however I haven't taken the console apart yet, and not entirely sure if there is enough clearance behind that plastic piece to fit the radio.

I was thinking of cutting the top part of the plastic and running the two outlets below

Option three didn't look too bad either except removing the top dash looked to be a pretty big project, not to mention that location seems to be more of an eyesore than the other two.

Here is a shot of the radio, I measured and its almost exactly the width of that entire plastic piece.

 

[Jeff614]

I too have to been looking for a place to install a full size CB in a 5th gen. Mine is a Connex and actually even a little wider.

There really doesn't seem to be too many options in the 5th gens. It seems many have opted to go the Cobra 75 route and only have to hide the small control box with everything else being in the handheld mic.

I gave thought to each of your spots myself and one more additional location but wound up going a different route in the end (at least for now).

Spot 1: seems good but have you placed the radio there with the bracket attached? I know I would personally nail my knee/leg on it quite a bit and would also require screwing or most likely bolting the mount through the kick panel.

Spot 2: at first seems like a given but after a few searches numerous people have tried and there's just too much wiring and bracketry behind that space for it to work. I have seen a post where someone actually took apart the faceplate and extended the wiring with CAT5 cable and mounted just the faceplate there with the box elsewhere. Seems like A LOT of work for a CB. They make remote face CB's elsewhere in the world (UK and AU) and it would probably be easier to get one and have it modded to work here.

Spot 3: again, with the mount you'll be drilling into your brand new dash in a very expensive and irreplaceable area. You could forgo the mount and velcro as I've seen done, but in an accident it's doubtful the velcro would hold and that radio could do some major damage to you or other occupants.

Another consideration is against the center console, most likely on the passenger side. Just screwing the mount into the plastic won't hold so you'd have to somehow bolt it. Again, I've seen pics in threads where folks have taken flat sheet metal and essentially folded it into a tight "U" shape sliding one half under the console and using the exposed side to mount the radio. I know that's difficult to describe but try Google imaging some "CB radio mounts" and you should see what I'm talking about.

What I ended up doing was building a small "slip-seat" box containing my radio, mount for the mic, and an external speaker. It's about the size of a briefcase and made out of 5/8" particle board I had laying around and covered with sub box carpeting. Not ideal but fits perfect facing me on the front passenger seat when solo or on the backseat when the gf is with me. The back opens to make the power and antenna connections. Right now it's riding in my GX till I get my T4R and pictured on the rear seat passenger seat. I need to figure out a better way to secure it, right now the seat belts have done a good job but something like a carabiner somewhere on top to attach to the belt would be better.


Best of luck in your install and hope you can find a spot that works for you and your radio!


- Jeff

 

[LowTek]

You bring up some excellent points. I think what you mentioned about option 2 is probably going to be more work than its worth for installing a CB.

I did place the underneath the steering column and I did have enough room for my legs to fit. Only annoying thing would be the mic cord dangling around down there.

I may even return the cobra 29 and go the cobra 75 route.

 

[Jeff614]

Yea the mic cord could definitely get in the way, even attached to a gear keeper hooked to the rearview mirror.

Keep googling and see if anything, even non-4Runner related, sparks an idea.

Not sure what antenna your planning on running but a Cobra 75 hooked to a Wilson 5000 is going to outperform the best radio out there with just a short fiberglass stick.

Ton's of thread's on them here too with a lot of guys running 'glass antenna's that fold down but they can wreak havoc with ground issues and SWR readings.

There's also how-to's that use the mounting hole for the satellite radio "shark fin" to mount the coil of a Wilson 1/5000 or K40. Or just go with a mag mount. Any of the full size whips will come with a cap that can replace the coil and whip for when you need the clearance.

Not sure if you have a sunroof or not but there's always overhead somehow. Doesn't look like you have a TE so the Krawl Control dial's shouldn't get in the way. Also lot's of work though and would entail dropping the headliner.

Makes me envy Wrangler guy's and the ton's of options they've got.


- Jeff


- Jeff

 

[adam2562]

what about in the armrest? easily have wiring come from underneath and come the lid after its set with the cord coming thru the little cord lip built into the armrest and mic free to be placed wherever

 

[Ryan1975]

I'm beyond annoyed at CB manufacturers for still living in the 1970s for design.

The Ham radios look pretty cool and have detachable faves. There's no reason for CB radios to be as big as they are and to look this ugly.

 

[Jeff614]

I'm beyond annoyed at CB manufacturers for still living in the 1970s for design.

The Ham radios look pretty cool and have detachable faves. There's no reason for CB radios to be as big as they are and to look this ugly.

Couldn't agree more. Some European manufactures have offered CB's like this. While CB usage has certainly decreased here the amount and type of them on the market goes to show there's still a demand here in the states. At the very least how about 10 meter's with detachable faces??


As to the center console, the OP might have to cut out the bottom to make it fit. A cobra 29 is pretty deep with another 1/2" or so for the power and coax connections. Certainly an option though and I'd think you could replace that part for far cheaper than other pieces of the dash if you change your mind or want to remove it.


- Jeff

 

[LowTek]

As to the center console, the OP might have to cut out the bottom to make it fit. A cobra 29 is pretty deep with another 1/2" or so for the power and coax connections. Certainly an option though and I'd think you could replace that part for far cheaper than other pieces of the dash if you change your mind or want to remove it.


- Jeff

You mentioned you saw some posts about unsuccessfully trying to install components in that area. I've been searching all over to see if anyone has tried this yet. You happen to have a link?

Thanks!

 

[eddiebx]

You mentioned you saw some posts about unsuccessfully trying to install components in that area. I've been searching all over to see if anyone has tried this yet. You happen to have a link?

Thanks!

It's been a while since I've had that center portion of the console out, but if I recall correctly...you pretty much only have as deep as the bottom pocket goes. Right behind it is an air duct I think? I remember running into clearance issues behind there when I wanted to do something. If I only remembered what that something was, lol.

 

[BobsTrail]

Antenna Placement

I gave up on antenna mounts and I use a magnetic mount when I need it. I put it in the middle of the roof for best ground plane and tie wrap the cable to a roof cross bar and to the side rail to the back. I bring it in the back hatch, just trap it between the hatch and gasket. When I`m not using it, I let it lay behind the rear seat with my toolbox.

I have the radio end of the cable running beside and under the rear seat and under the rear mat to the radio in front. I have a Cobra 75 so the connector box is under the front seat.

Not fancy or real clean but it works for occasional use.

 

[Jeff614]

It's been a while since I've had that center portion of the console out, but if I recall correctly...you pretty much only have as deep as the bottom pocket goes. Right behind it is an air duct I think? I remember running into clearance issues behind there when I wanted to do something. If I only remembered what that something was, lol.

Honestly I can't remember where the thread was, could have been on here in one of the other sub-forums or elsewhere on the net but what Eddiebx mentioned is exactly what comes to mind. There's some sort of crucial air duct behind there and the space you have is pretty much all you have to play with. One of the smaller radios might fit in there but I know what it's like to want to make what you have work.

Mounting options seem to get tougher the newer the vehicle is it seems. I've seen radios mounted in that area in 4th gens and it's almost a standard spot for any before that as well.


Wish I could be of more help,
- Jeff